“As per the geo-mapping of the region (if done), the pending projects should be reviewed in view of the vulnerability of the given areas. No marking of vulnerable sites having cracks, landslide probe areas and chronic landslide probe areas is indicated. How many such sites have been stabilized by way of filling and slope stability, has not been disclosed,” the order read. The tribunal’s intervention follows its suo motu registration of the Joshimath disaster issue, citing the sinking of earth surfaces due to the displacement of subsurface materials. Initial findings attributed the disaster to unchecked construction activities, over-concretization, and unsustainable human settlements beyond environmental capacity.In a previous order dated April 2, 2024, the NGT had expressed disappointment over Uttarakhand’s failure to comply with earlier directives, including the submission of detailed remedial plans despite the lapse of considerable time. Furthermore, the NGT referenced an action taken report from November 8, 2023, filed by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UKPCB), which purportedly lacked substantive progress updates or effective steps towards mitigation.
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